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Japan Post Meiji Restoration: Becoming a World Power

Explore Japan's transformation from isolation to becoming a world power through the Meiji Restoration. Learn how this period reshaped Japan's economy, politics, and social structure, leading to significant international impact and modernization. Discover key events and policies that propelled Japan onto the global stage.

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Japan Post Meiji Restoration: Becoming a World Power

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  1. Japan Post Meiji Restoration: Becoming a World Power

  2. Ending Isolation • 1853 unequal treaties & unrest among people • Militarily weak • Agricultural • Little technology • Why was this the case?

  3. Ending Isolation 1868 Meiji Restoration, by 1889 new constitution and legal system

  4. Meiji Restoration • 1868  the Shogun (part of the Tokugawa family) lost power and the Emperor was restored to the supreme position • The Emperor now has more power! • Emperor took the name “Meiji” •  “Enlightened Rule” • This is known as the Meiji Restoration

  5. The NEW and Improved Emperor • When the Meiji emperor was restored, Japan … • Was primarily agricultural • Little to no technological development • Controlled by 100’s of semi-independent lords • Western Powers (Europe and the US) forced Japan to sign treaties limiting control over their own trade and all crimes committed by foreigners had to be tried in Western courts • Why is this significant?

  6. Effects of the Meiji Restoration: Japan started to regain control of their foreign trade and legal system Won two wars Established full independence and equality in international affairs In one generation, Japan totally changed

  7. The “New” Japan’s Economy • Industrialization • Borrow from west • Japan lowers the walls • They send educators, engineers, architects, painters, and scientists around the world to absorb modern technology and Western knowledge

  8. The “New” Japan’s Economy • Government built factories then sold to private investors • Relationship • Zaibatsu • Capital from taxation and borrowing from merchants • Profits reinvested to modernize and expand • Becomes leading silk exporter

  9. The “New” Japan’s Economy Encourage cooperation not competition Companies unite, share secrets Can finally compete with whom?

  10. Japan’s “New” Political System • The emperor is restored to glory…. • No real political power, but idolized • More democratic • New political parties • Larger electorate • Parliament

  11. Japan’s “New” Political System • The Emperor “ruled” but took advice from a group of ambitious, young, male advisors • They were the ones who overthrew the Shogun • Parliament was elected beginning in 1890 • BUT only the wealthiest 1% of the population could vote in elections

  12. Japan’s “New” Social Structure • Abolish Feudalism • All equal before the law • Samurai lost privileges • All men could serve in military • Movement to cities • Women work outside home • Elementary education for all

  13. Japan’s “New” Social Structure 1876 – government banned the wearing of Samurai swords Former Samurai cut off their top-knots (hairstyle) to look Western Former Samurai started working in Western businesses

  14. Japan’s “New” Social Structure • 1872 – A National Army is created • Everyone has to serve 3 years in the military • Doesn’t matter your social class, peasant / Samurai / merchant / etc

  15. Japan’s “New” Foreign Policies Get rid of “unequal treaties” in the east Become “equal” to western nations How does one accomplish this?

  16. Wars for Equality….? • Sino-Japanese War – 1895 • Sphere of influence , Taiwan, protectorate Korea • Russo-Japanese War – 1904-1905 • Korea and Manchuria • Participate in WWI, on the winning side…. 1914-1918

  17. Sino-Japanese War • 1894 – 1895 • Fought between Japan and China • They were fighting over Korea • Li-Ito Convention • 1885 • Allowed both China and Japan to put their troops in Korea • 9 years later, Korea revolted against their government so both Japan and China sent troops

  18. Why did Japan win the Sino-Japanese War? • China was superior during this time! • More resources • Larger population • Larger army • Better battleships • Modern military

  19. The End of the Sino-Japanese War • Korea became “independent” • Actually a Japanese protectorate • Japan now had control over… • Taiwan • Liaodong Peninsula • Pescadores Islands • Opened some Chinese ports for trade with Japan and the West • China had to pay Japan $200 million taels

  20. Russo-Japanese War • Russo-Japanese War – 1904-1905 • Fought between Russian and Japan • Was over Korea and Manchuria • In 1898, Russia had forced China into granting it control over Port Arthur • Japan seized German land on the Shandong Peninsula of China • Allies needed industrial goods and war materials during WWI  leads to huge industrial boom in Japan

  21. “Taisho Democracy” Money Leisure Better education Mass media Urban Because of industrial economy

  22. At least 2 political, social and economic changes

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